Working out contact arrangements – seek advice before mediation

If the parents of a child or children cannot agree to arrangements concerning the children, attending Mediation to work our contact arrangements for the children is the first step in attempting to establish fair contact arrangements for both parties. Mediation is meant to be a means for resolution but is sometimes viewed with trepidation by some parents. At Watson & Watson advice is often sought from us by parents who are concerned about how the process of Mediation works, what can they expect at Mediation, who attends mediation, what happens if agreement cannot be reached at Mediation and what recourse do they have if agreed contact arrangements through Mediation is contravened by the other party.

It is very important that you have an idea of what Orders you will be seeking or would be acceptable to you at an early stage, including before attending Mediation. At Watson and Watson we see many Orders made as a result of Mediation which are inappropriate for the circumstances and do not cover even the current circumstances let alone changes to the circumstances that the Children may find themselves in the future.

If you are intending to go to Mediation (as is required generally before approaching the Court) seek advice from an experienced Family Lawyer at Watson and Watson. Often parents will attend Mediation unprepared and become unhappy with the manner in which the Mediation unfolded and the contact arrangements agreed (which some parents believe were forced upon them) between the parties.

In our experience a pre-mediation meeting with an experienced family lawyer is invaluable. At Watson & Watson we can assist you in the Mediation process as we would advise you of the best approach, discuss the matter and any of your concerns, and more particularly the appropriate documentation of any outcome that may be achieved at the Mediation. We assist to prepare you for Mediation.

Please do not hesitate to contact Richard Watson our experienced Family law solicitors who is available to assist you with any concerns or assistance you may require if you are heading for Mediation and want to be prepared before you sit down to mediate about the very important matter of contact arrangements for your children.